'FOOD FOR THOUGHT' by Mark Vogel - 'SUMMER SALADS IV'"As I relaxed sipping my vodka martini, the waitress returned to take my order. Upon informing her of my choice of entree, she queried if I'd like a salad to begin my meal. I lifted the cocktail skewer from my martini glass so as to bring the three impaled olives into view and replied: ......." Click for full article

FOOD TRIVIA QUIZThe Food Trivia Quizzes are now moved to their own separate section after the newsletter is e-mailed. Check the Navigation Bar at the top of the page.

READER'S QUESTIONSWondering if you can tell me if you can use cottonseed oil to fry a turkey instead of peanut oil? What is the difference?RLM

ANSWERHello RLM,Yes you can use cottonseed oil, but keep in mind that it has a 'smoke point' of about 420 F compared to a 'smoke point' of 440 F and above for peanut oil.

Cottonseed oil also has about twice as much saturated fatty acids (27%) as peanut oil (17%), so cottonseed oil is not as healthy.

* Smoke point is the point at which an oil 'smokes' & begins to emit acrid odors and impart unpleasant flavor to foods. Because both reusing fat and exposing it to air reduces its smoke point, Cottonseed oil will degrade faster due to its lower initial smoke point. Peanut oil may be reused (cooled and heated again) up to 5 or 6 times, Cottonseed oil about 3 times.

Cottonseed oil has almost no taste. Peanut oil imparts a very mild, pleasant nutty flavor.

Thursday, June 261963 President John F. Kennedy said 'I am a jelly donut' (Ich bin ein Berliner) in a speech to the citizens of Berlin. He meant to say 'I am a Berliner' (Ich bin Berliner). 'Ein Berliner' means jelly donut.

Friday, June 271893 'Happy Birthday to You' was first published.

Saturday, June 281997 Boxer Mike Tyson was disqualified for snacking in the 3rd round of a boxing match with Evander Holyfield. He bit a big chunk of Holyfield's ear off.

Sunday, June 291967 Jayne Mansfield died. American beauty contest winner, stage and screen actress. Supposedly the only title she ever turned down was 'Miss Roquefort Cheese,' because she believed it "just didn't sound right."

Monday, June 301985 James A. Dewar, died. The creator of the Twinkie (1930).

KITCHEN TIPSEGGS AND SALT:· To test eggs for freshness, place the egg in a cup of water to which two teaspoonfuls of salt has been added. A fresh egg sinks; a doubter will float.· Egg whites will beat faster and higher if you add a pinch of salt.